Injuries incurred during birth

The physical trauma of delivery may result in a number of injuries to the infant. Of little consequence is the diffuse soft-tissue swelling of the scalp referred to as caput succedaneum. Difficult delivery may result in more extensive bruising, abrasions, and edema—particularly after breech delivery; however, serious harm is rare. Bleeding under the periosteum (the covering membrane) of the skull produces a large swelling in 1 to 2 percent of babies, and in some it is associated with a small fracture of the underlying skull; fortunately, spontaneous healing occurs speedily. Injuries to the spinal cord are ... (100 of 15,364 words)